Nora E. Demers, Ph.D.,

Comparative Immunology
Assistant Professor
Biology and Interdisciplinary Studies

Office: Whitaker 218

Office Hours:

Tuesdays & Thursdays 

9:30-11:00

and many other times.  

Just send a note, stop by or give me a call to make an appointment.  

Phone:  (239) 590-7211
Fax: (239) 590-7200

ndemers@fgcu.edu    

Dr. Demers Page

Notice:
Realize that a great deal of work outside of class time is expected.  

This is not an "easy" class but it is very interesting and rewarding.  

I encourage you to  work with others on similar topics or take advantage of the opportunity to work with a group.

Spring 2006: IDS 3303

CRN 10842

Tuesdays 11:00-1:45  

AB3 125

This course is part of the Collegium of Integrated Learning and is required for the B.A. in Liberal Studies. Students and faculty will work together to investigate selected contemporary science/technology issues and problems and how they have developed across time.

Individually and in teams, students will develop "intellectual histories" of an issue or problem. These "histories" will require building an integrated context by examining issues through the perspectives and methods of knowing in the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. Organized in interdisciplinary ways and problem-based, the course will stress engaged learning.

Students will be expected to formulate their own interpretations and responses to the issues. Consequently, success in the course will rely heavily on critical, creative, systematic, and collaborative thinking and the sophisticated use of communication, information, and technological skills.  

Required text: Technopoly by Neil Postman

Publisher: Vintage; Reprint edition (March 31, 1993)

ISBN: 0679745408

Recommended texts:

Brave new Worlds by Aldous Huxley (1932)

http://www.huxley.net/

1984 by George Orwell (1949)

http://www.gerenser.com/1984/bio.html

TAKING SIDES: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Science, Technology, and Society, Sixth Edition

Learning to think things through: A guide to critical thinking across the curriculum (2^nd Edition). Gerald M. Nosich (2004). 

Students will also be expected to identify and use a wide variety of resources available through the library and world wide web.

Cheating, dishonesty, and plagiarism will not be tolerated and may result in failure of the assignment and/or course. Please review these articles on plagiarism: "What is Plagiarism at Indiana University"; "How to Avoid Plagiarism"; "Avoiding Plagiarism"

Most assignments must be submitted to turnitin.com

The class ID is 1449517 and the password for this class is technopoly. 

I will be corresponding with you through your student email account. It is very important for you to have your student email activated. If you need assistance with this, please review the instructions for activating, forwarding, and getting help with your email.

Disability Statement:
Florida Gulf Coast University, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the university’s guiding principles, will provide classroom and academic accommodations to students with documented disabilities. If you need to request an accommodation in this class due to a disability, or you suspect that your academic performances is affected by a disability, please see me or contact the Office of Adaptive Services. The Office of Adaptive Services is located in McTarnaghan Hall, room 214. The phone number is 590-7956 or TTY 590-7930

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